Kalamata, the capital of Messinia, is one of the most beautiful coastal cities in Greece, and its beach is famous not only for the endless walks, but also for the clear blue waters that cause its visitors to dive! But if you want something different, the countless beaches of Messinia will meet your every need. Cosmic and crowded, isolated or adjacent to the seaside resorts of the area, even world-class beaches like Voidokilia of Pylos, other organized and other deserted are sure to win you – besides its natural beauties, Messinia is famous and for its stunning coastline. Voidokilia
1. Little Mantinia
Located 10 km east of Kalamata, you will find the beach of Mikri Mantinia, in a magnificent location, in front of the homonymous village. Where Taygetos stretches its foothills, it blends with the magnificent blue of the sea and makes beautiful coves drowned in the green. The beach is paved with white pebbles, awarded with the Blue Flag, and there you will find a lifeguard. There are many bars and cafes on the beach, as well as many tavernas that almost touch the sea. Little Mantineia, like the whole eastern coast of the Messinian Gulf, has grown into a major tourist resort in Kalamata. It has many tourist accommodation – hotels and rooms to let – on the sea, while new units are being built that attract visitors in the summer, not only from the region but also from various parts of Greece that come here to enjoy their dives overlooking the imposing Peak.
2. Sandova
It is located in the area of Avia, 12 kilometers from the city of Kalamata in the east. It is one of the most cosmopolitan beaches in the area, with many beach bars, which are organized almost every summer in the summer with famous Djs from Greece and abroad. Evening parties at the beach of Santovas are famous, with small flames on the sandy beach and literally drinks on the beach. It has fine sand, with small pebbles where the sea starts. It is the only beach in the area that has sand, although its width is not very large.
3. Almyros beach
It is one of the most popular and crowded beaches of Kalamata. It is located 6 kilometers east of the city, just before the turn leading to the Messinian Mani. Surrounded by white pebbles, it features sun loungers and umbrellas and naturally pleasing cafes and beach bars. It is ideal for water sports such as water skiing and wind surfing. It also has a beach volleyball court for sports enthusiasts. The scenery on the beach is enchanting: On the one hand the turquoise waters reflect the olives and the palm trees that reach the beach and on the other the imposing Taygetos. And in the background the city of Kalamata …
4. Kalogria
It is the most famous, the busiest and the most organized beach in West Mani. In the summer, especially on weekends, “do not drop a pin”. Foreigners and Greeks flood the wonderful white sandy beach, with deep, shallow, frozen waters, with Taygetos waterfalls underwater to keep it clean. It also has umbrellas and sunbeds, a beach volley court, bars, taverns, water sports and bicycle rental and canoeing. It is ideal for young people, but also for families with young children. If you can stay on Kalogria beach until late afternoon, you will see the sun setting right in front of you, in the water, at one of the best sunsets in Greece. Nikos Kazantzakis lived for two years (1917-1918) on the beach of Kalogria with the legendary hero of his novel “Life and the State of Alexis Zorbas”. At the northern end of the beach there is the house that was left with Zorba, while at the southern end, very close to the sandy beach there is the “Kazantzakis cave” where it found shelter for reading and writing. The cave can be visited today either by swimming or by boat.
5. Stoupa
It is the second busy beach of western Mani after Kalogria. It is located just next to it, right in front of the main street of the settlement of Stoupa. Miami is also called Mani, with turquoise waters, golden fine sand, countless umbrellas and sun loungers and a world that constantly climbs. Despite the crowds, the waters are always crystal clear, as underground rivers that start from Taygetos are flowing underwater here and they are constantly recycling. It is worth having a mask with you to explore the beauties of the sea.
6. Beach of the island
It is the most beloved of the lesser known beaches of West Mani, as it is well hidden at the end of a path between the trees. It is untouched by tourism, essentially disorganized (with only one canteen with tables in the summer months), has white pebbles and turquoise waters. Its characteristic is a large rock that separates it into two and gives natural shade. The most … flexible and adventurous can climb it and then dive into the deep waters. At the beach of Fonea the well-known Gorge of Phoneas or else the gorge of Neapountis, which begins to form from the Vaidenitsa Monastery and ends after about 8 km on the crystal-clear beach.
7. Velika Beach
Two and a half kilometers from the settlement of Velika, passing through a reed stretch, you will find the long and sandy coast. The fine golden sand and trees make it a meeting point for many locals and tourists who want to cool and relax in the waters of the Messinian Gulf. At the edge of the beach there is a large café on the sandy beach that almost touches the sea.
8. Petalidi beach
It is just before the harbor of the seaside settlement. The coast is 300 meters long and is covered with thick pebbles, while the bottom is sandy. At Petalidi Beach, 15 km away from Messina, you will find natural shade from the surrounding trees and a traditional cafe on the seafront to enjoy your coffee while enjoying the beautiful view.
9. Voidokilia
It is the most famous beach of Messinia and one of the most beautiful in all Greece! It is located next to the Gialova lagoon, 10 km from Pylos. This natural bay is of unique beauty: white fine sand extends to a large extent, to the edge of the beach. Its waters are tranquil, turquoise and exotic. To your left, as you see the sea, you see Palaiokastro, at the base of which lies the cave of Nestor. On your right, at the other end of Voidokilia, on the hill, there is a vaulted tomb that is attributed (not yet confirmed) to Thrasimidis, son of Nestor. Low vegetation surrounds the bay, while the sandy beach is filled with beautiful shells – it is enough to sink your hand in the sand!
10. Finikounda
It is located just in front of the settlement of Finikoundas, in the southern part of the prefecture of Messinia. Opposite you can see the small island of Schiza, the largest of Messinian Oinousses. It is awarded Blue Flag for its cleanliness, it is paved with sand and features clean, turquoise waters, warm with no depth, making it an ideal destination for families with young children. Due to the fact that there is everything you need in the settlement you will find it at your feet. The beach is almost always full of people, as the local holidaymakers prefer it.
